Damage Control for Employees’ Online Posts Can Prove Risky

No employer wants to be in the business of policing its workers’ social media activity. But when an employee tweets or posts content on Facebook that is “inconsistent with company values,” employers might see a need to take action and protect their reputation.

When individuals make controversial, offensive or insensitive statements online, even on their own time, it’s not just the posters who can get negative media coverage but also their employers by association.

But as much as employers might try to dissociate themselves from the offending comments, employment lawyers say they should tread carefully before disciplining or firing those workers to save face.

The scenario might be growing more common. Earlier this month, management consulting firm Liberty Advisor Group dismissed one of its principals in Chicago after he tweeted critically about the widow of fallen Navy SEAL Ryan Owens.